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Academic Assembly
At our Academic Assembly on Friday, we acknowledged and congratulated students from last year who achieved Academic Excellence and Outstanding Studentship in Semester 2. This Assembly is an opportunity for our College to celebrate the success of our previous year. 2024 was undoubtedly a successful year at Holy Spirit College.
At our Academic Assembly, we celebrated our highest-ranking ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) students. Congratulations to our Top 10 ATAR students from 2024, in alphabetical order:
- Alivia B
- Demi D
- Nicholas D
- Dakoda-Sky E
- Jessica H
- Joseph L
- Angus M
- Lily P
- Nickolas P
- Lucy S
Academic success doesn’t just happen. Academic Excellence is achieved through hard work, commitment, and a determination to succeed. Two of our graduates from 2024 have received a Certificate of Academic Achievement from the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) for achieving an A in six General subjects. Congratulations to Lily P and Nicholas P on receiving this prestigious award. Lily and Nicholas are both fine examples of achieving Academic Excellence.
Many of our Year 12 2024 VET (Vocational Education and Training) students have found success in securing apprenticeships, traineeships and full-time employment. We are proud of our past students who have secured apprenticeships, traineeships and employment in a range of areas including:
- Auto Electrical
- Electrical
- Boilermaking
- Engineering
- Beauty Services
- Hairdressing
- Carpentry
- Hospitality
- Diesel Fitting
- Locksmith
- Early Childhood
- Plumbing
These are wonderful outcomes for our Class of 2024. We are extremely proud of our graduates, as we are every year.
ATAR Dux
I would like to congratulate and acknowledge Joseph L who was announced as the ATAR Dux for 2024 and the recipient of the CQU Academic Excellence Award. Joseph has already started his university course and is studying a Bachelor of Science at the University of Sydney. We wish Joseph all the very best with his studies and look forward to presenting this prestigious award personally to Joseph in the near future.
CQUniversity Changemaker Award
The CQUniversity Changemaker Award - Certificate of Excellence and Bursary was awarded to Bridget S. Bridget is to be congratulated for her consistent effort and dedication to her studies. Throughout her secondary schooling, Bridget was involved in College sports and supported the creative arts. Bridget will commence studies in Medical Sonography at CQU in Mackay. We wish Bridget all the best.
Principal’s Award
Congratulations to the following Year 11 students who were recognised as the top achieving students from Year 10 in 2024. They each received a Principal’s Award to assist with their Senior studies.
- Lucie B
- Tori D
- Sophia L.P
- Imogen P
- Madelyn S
- Annika W
Congratulations to all Principal's Award recipients.
Lion’s Youth of the Year
Lion’s Youth of the Year Public Speaking competition was held on Saturday at our College. We had three entrants, Rory F, Liam H and Elise P.G. The speeches were engaging and informative. To me, our three competitors were all winners! Congratulations to Liam for winning the Public Speaking section and Rory for being announced as the Overall winner. Suzanne Gakowski - Dean of Senior English was the coordinator of this event and we are grateful for her commitment to supporting our students with their public speaking. Best wishes to Rory as he now goes on to compete at the Zone Level competition on 2 March 2025.
Exciting news!
Parent tour of the new Industrial Technology and Design (INTAD) precinct
We are excited to announce that Bishop Michael will be joining us next Thursday, 20 February 2025, to officially bless and open our new INTAD building. To celebrate this special occasion, we warmly invite all parents to tour our new classrooms on Wednesday evening, 19 February 2025.
Schedule for Wednesday Evening:
- 5:00 pm - P & F Meeting – Administration Building (Board Room)
- 6:00 pm - Parent Tour – Meet at the front of the new INTAD building (near long term carpark)
Please join us for this wonderful opportunity to explore our new showcase building and connect with our College community. We look forward to seeing you there!
Student Free Day
Next Friday, 21 February 2025, is a Student Free Day due to the Bishop’s Inservice Day. This important event provides an opportunity for our staff to participate in professional learning. The College Office will be closed on this day.
Prayer
Blessings,
Alison Wales - Principal
Reflection
A Catholic school is more than just a place of education; it is a community built on the teachings of Jesus. His message in the Gospels calls us to live with love, compassion, justice, and service, which shapes everything we do.
One of Jesus' most powerful teachings is found in Matthew 25:35-40, where He says:
"For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited me in; I needed clothes, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you looked after me; I was in prison, and you came to visit me."
In response to this Gospel teaching, Holy Spirit College:
- Encourages social justice initiatives, such as the Backpacks for the Homeless, fundraising for Project Compassion, and participation in the St. Vincent de Paul Winter and Christmas Appeals.
- Promotes inclusivity and care for the vulnerable, ensuring all students feel welcomed, respected, and valued, regardless of their background.
- Teaches students to recognise the dignity of every person, just as Jesus did when He reached out to the poor, the sick, and those excluded by society.
In Luke 6:37, Jesus teaches:
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
At Holy Spirit College, this teaching influences:
- The way we resolve conflicts—students are encouraged to practice forgiveness and reconciliation rather than holding grudges.
- Pastoral care and well-being programs that focus on restorative justice instead of punitive measures.
- A school culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth and learning rather than simply failures.
Jesus' greatest commandment, found in Matthew 22:37-39, is:
At Holy Spirit College, this is reflected in:
- A sense of community—staff and students are encouraged to support one another, celebrate differences, and work together to create a caring school environment.
- Prayer, liturgy, and reflection—providing time for students to grow in faith and develop their relationship with God.
- Servant leadership—students are taught to lead with kindness and humility, just as Jesus served others rather than seeking power.
A Catholic school doesn’t just teach academics; it forms students to be people of love, service, and faith. Jesus' Gospel teachings shape how we treat one another, care for the vulnerable, and strive for justice. In a Catholic school, we are called to live differently, guided by faith and a commitment to the dignity of every person.
Let us pray:
Loving God,
Thank You for our College, where we grow in love, service, and faith. Help us to follow Jesus' example by treating others with kindness and respect. May we recognise the dignity in every person and strive for justice in our world.
Guide us to live with compassion and courage so that our actions reflect Your love each day.
We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
We would like to remind you about the Opening and Blessing of our INTAD Precinct, taking place on Thursday, 20 February 2025, with the presence of the Most Reverend Michael McCarthy, Bishop of Rockhampton and Mr Michael McCusker, Diocesan Director, Catholic Education - Diocese of Rockhampton. Please be advised that all students are expected to attend these events in their full formal uniform, including ties. Thank you for your support and understanding.
God Bless,
Lesley Fraser – Assistant Principal (Mission)
Administration
Queensland Health's School Immunisation Program
Our College is participating in Queensland Health’s annual School Immunisation Program. All Year 7 and Year 10 Students will be offered free vaccinations as recommended on the National Immunisation Program schedule to protect against vaccine preventable diseases. Year 7 students will be offered the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Whooping Cough). Year 10 students will be offered the Meningococcal ACWY Vaccination. For further information regarding these vaccinations please click on the below links:
A letter and consent card was sent home with all Year 7 and Year 10 Students on Friday, 31 January 2025. Parents/carers are required to complete and sign the Queensland School Immunisation Program Vaccination Card indicating ‘YES’ if you wish your child to be vaccinated or ‘No’ if you do not wish for your child to be vaccinated and return it to your child’s Pastoral Care Group by Friday, 14 February 2025. Only students with a completed and signed consent card on the day of the school immunisation clinic will be vaccinated. If you do not return a consent card or the card is incomplete, you may be contacted by the immunisation provider to check if you want your child to be vaccinated. The provider will not follow up with parents and carers who have indicated ‘No to Vaccination’.
Vaccinations Dates:
Year 7: Tuesday, 13 May 2025
Year 10 (Dose 1): Tuesday, 18 March 2025
Year 10 (Dose 2): Tuesday, 15 July 2025
College Photos by MSP Photographers
MSP Photographers will be at our College to take photos of our students and staff this term.
The dates are as follows:
Monday, 17 Feb: Year 8, Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12
Thursday, 3 April: Year 7 and Year 9 plus catch-up day for any students absent on Monday, 17 Feb.
Sibling photos will be able to be taken at Recess 1 on either day.
A reminder that all students will have their photo taken whether you are purchasing any or not. Please be reminded that all students are required to wear their full formal uniform on this day including ties for boys. Makeup, hair and jewellery rules as per the Student Diary will apply on these days.
Mackay School Dental Service
Camille Morris - Deputy Principal (Administration)
Welfare News
Free Parenting Education Programs - CatholicCare/Mackay Family Relationship Centre FRC
58 Sydney Street, Mackay
Over the next few months, the Family Relationship Centre will be rolling out a suite of Free Parenting and Education programs. The programs can be delivered one-on-one to clients or in groups. The sessions are designed to support parents in navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. These sessions will provide practical strategies for:
- Managing difficult behaviour effectively.
- Reducing stress and anxiety in your teenager.
- Improving communication and understanding with your teen.
Whether you're looking to strengthen your relationship with your child or seeking new tools to handle tricky situations, these sessions are a valuable opportunity to learn and connect with other parents.
The parenting programs that we will be offering are as follows:
1,2,3 Magic and Emotion Coaching
(One-on-one and group bookings currently available.)
Learn to manage difficult behaviour in children 2-12 years of age
In this three part workshop parents will learn:
- How to discipline without arguing, yelling or smacking.
- How to sort behaviour.
- How to handle challenging and testing behaviours.
- Choosing your strategy, the three choices.
- Using emotion coaching to encourage good behaviour.
Anxiety Coaching for Parents
(Bookings available from the beginning of March 2025)
Learn how to reduce anxiety and build resilience in your children.
In this three-part workshop parents will learn:
- How the brain works and how anxiety develops.
- How loved ones can influence anxiety.
- Building resilience and reducing anxious symptoms in your child.
- Practical strategies to use with your child in anxious moments.
Engaging Adolescents
(Bookings available from the beginning of April 2025)
Resolve difficult behaviour in teenagers by learning how to talk to and understand your teen.
In this three-part workshop parents will learn:
- Common ground shared by parents and reasonable expectations to hold about adolescents.
- A three-option model and flow chart for decision-making.
- Skills for tough conversations for handling those problems you just can't ignore.
- How to build a relationship with your teenager and making the best of your non-crisis conversations with them.
Bookings for any of these programs can be made by contacting 1300 783 544 and asking about the parent education programs available in Mackay.
Sandy McLellan - Assistant Principal (Students)
Curriculum News
Celebrating Success of Top ATAR Students at HSC in 2024
Last week we celebrated our annual Academic Assembly. Students who achieved Academic Excellence and Outstanding Studentship Awards for Semester 2 2024 were presented to the College assembly. We also celebrated the achievements of our Year 12 Graduates. Due to wet weather, our highest achieving graduates attended an event earlier, receiving their gift, recognition and morning tea, and cut the Year 12, 2024, cake which was shared with College staff.
College Dux Awards and CQU Academic and Changemaker Awards were also announced. The prestigious Principals Excellence Awards were presented to six (6) Year 10 students
In addition, VET students and students who have been successful in their employment aspirations were celebrated at the Academic Assembly. A movie clip celebrating all the shared pathways of our 2024 Year 12 graduates was enjoyed by the College community.
Our 2024 graduates were highly successful in their pursuits with over 92% receiving offers to their preferred courses. An outstanding number were awarded apprenticeships and employment offers. 2025 has already commenced with our students yielding offers from the Mackay community of School-based apprenticeships. These students are already on their pathways towards successful careers!
Our CQU award recipients and top ATAR students are:
College Dux Award & CQU Academic Award – Joseph L
CQU Changemaker Award – Bridget S
Top 10 ATAR Students (Alphabetical Order)
- Alivia B
- Demi D
- Nicholas D
- Dakoda-Sky E
- Jessica H
- Joseph L
- Angus M
- Lily P
- Nickolas P
- Lucy S
Year 11 and 12 Absence from Exams and late Assignments - AARA
The QCE senior system in Queensland has a different approach to attendance at exams and submitting assignments late for General and Applied subjects. The language involved is new and the regulations tighter than the previous system.
There are two rules for assessment deadlines and then provisions for students to apply for ‘special consideration’. Special consideration also has a new name – AARA (Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments and School-approved Absences).
The two rules are:
- All assignments (projects, design folios etc) need to be submitted ‘on or before the due date’. If a student does not attend school on the due date the assessment needs to be handed in or emailed by the due date unless there is AARA in place (special consideration).
- All exams need to be sat on the day they are timetabled.
Where circumstances arise that cause difficulty for students to achieve this, then an application needs to be made to the College as soon as the situation becomes known.
This is a link to the application forms. It is an Application Form for Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments (AARA) and School-Approved Absence.
Under the new policy, students’ are eligible for a limited number of situations where consideration can be given. All events need documentary evidence.
- Disability – short or long term – which is a barrier to the student’s performance
- Evidence – Medical Form, Inclusive Curriculum Documents within the College etc
- Illness – short or long term
- Evidence - this Medical form needs to be used as evidence or the same detail included in the Medical Certificate by the Doctor. “Unfit for attending school” is not accepted by QCAA (Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority).
- PRINT THE DOCUMENT AND TAKE IT TO THE DOCTOR WITH YOU.
- Misadventure – (evidence - flood documentation, funeral notice, police report etc)
- an unexpected event
- not a choice made by the student or family (not a family holiday which is a choice by the family) – as specified by QCAA
- has an adverse effect
- School-Approved Absence – e.g. representing Queensland in sport or cultural event
- Evidence – statement from Cricket Queensland etc.
QCAA has advised that there are always unique events that occur and should the student be seeking consideration for an event which is not covered by their guidelines then the school will seek QCAA’s advice.
These are useful documents for this process.
- QCAA Confidential Medical Report Template for Doctor (AARA)
- Year 11 and 12 Application Form for Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments (AARA) and School-approved Absence
- Guidelines for Completion of Senior Assessment
They are also available on the Website, Parent Orbit, Student Café and Parent Lounge.
Please contact me if I can assist in any way.
QCAA's Parent Support and Advice
Looking for practical advice to help support your child’s learning and wellbeing? The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) has worked with clinical psychologist Dr Judith Locke to create a series of short videos offering tips and strategies for parents and carers.
These videos cover key topics such as:
- fostering independence and resilience
- establishing homework routines with your child
- supporting your teen in senior schooling
- encouraging effective study habits
- maintaining balance and wellbeing.
Whether your child is starting prep or tackling senior exams, these videos provide practical guidance for every stage of their schooling journey.
Access the full series on the QCAA website.
Regards,
Anne Miles - Assistant Principal (Curriculum)
From the Office
Drop-off and Pick-up Zone
Your child’s safety remains our top priority at HSC. We ask that Parents/Carers:
- Observe and comply with all speed and traffic signs within the vicinity of HSC and Emmanuel Catholic Primary School.
- Use either the pick-up zone or short term parking to collect your children.
- Please do not collect your student/s from the long term carpark.
- Drive to the end of the drop-off lane and do not leave excessive space between vehicles.
- To assist traffic flow, please make full use of the short term parking. Students must use the pedestrian crossing to access parked vehicles in the short term parking area.
By 3:20 pm on most afternoons, the drop-off and pick-up zone is clear. Please consider delaying your pick up to assist with traffic congestion. Teaching Staff are on duty until 3:40 pm to supervise your child/ren.
Remember, as you enter HSC, please give way to traffic entering from your right.
Thank you for supporting a safe student environment for students who attend HSC and Emmanuel Catholic Primary School.
Absent from School
To ensure a student’s safety and welfare, it is important the College be kept informed of your student’s whereabouts. Parents/Carers are asked to contact the College Office on the morning of a student’s absence from school. The College follows up, with a text message to a parent's/carer's designated mobile phone.
There are numerous ways to notify the College of an absence:
- Using the Parent Orbit app, navigate to 'Absences' where you may add an absence entry.
- Log in to Parent Lounge via the College website and navigate to ‘Attendance’ where you may add an attendance entry.
- Telephone the designated Student Absentee phone line 4994 8699 and leave a voicemail message.
- Email the attendance message to 320_Absentee@rok.catholic.edu.au.
Regardless of which method you use to notify us of your child’s absence, please ensure the following information is included in your message:
- your name,
- the child’s name and year level, and
- the reason for the absence.
Notifications of absence should only be provided by the child’s parent/carer (as listed on the enrolment contract). Notifications received from a student will only be processed after verification from their parent/carer has been received.
Late to School (Late Passes)
The Holy Spirit College school day commences at 8:30 am and concludes at 3:00 pm. Students are expected to arrive by the due time. If they arrive late to school, however, they must report to Student Reception to obtain a late pass slip from the Attendance Self Registration Desk or a late pass stamp in their Student Diary, then proceed immediately to class and show this slip/stamp to the teacher.
Early Departures
If, for any valid reason, a student needs to leave the College grounds during school hours, parents/carers should write a note (preferably in the Student Diary) stating the time and reason for the early departure. The note must be signed by a parent/carer. The student is to show the note to their teacher who will release them from class. The student must then report to the College Office (Student Reception desk) to sign out before leaving the College grounds. Should the student return later that day, he/she should sign back in at the College Office before proceeding to class. Please note that interruption of student learning time is discouraged and, therefore, requests to contact students during class, without prior notification, will only be carried out in situations that the College considers are of an unavoidable or urgent nature.
Our College Attendance Officers are Mrs Karen Byron and Mrs Sandra Thomason. Should you have any questions regarding your child’s attendance, Karen and Sandra welcome your call.
Allergy Awareness
Paula Bell - Office Manager
Brekky Club
Breakfast is often referred to as the most important meal of the day.
However, for a variety of reasons many students are coming to school without eating anything for breakfast.
All students are welcome to come along and enjoy a breakfast of toast, fruit loaf, juice and muffins at our Brekky Club which commences for 2025 next week.
- Operates each Monday and Wednesday beginning at 7:45 am – 8:15 am
- Located behind the Student Services Hub
Brekky Club is run by IMPACT club volunteers and is thankful to our Holy Spirit College P & F and Muffin Break for their continued support of this service.
All are welcome!
Jeanette Refalo - Mission Support
Science News
National Youth Science Forum
Over the January holidays (15-23 January 2025) four Holy Spirit College students attended the National Youth Science Forum.
This is an elite and very competitive STEM program dedicated to encouraging and inspiring upcoming Year 12 students in their passion for science.
HSC students to attend included Summer H, Ashley S, Rory F and Natalie L. During the program students attended STEM lectures, networked with STEM professionals, visited universities and discovered what a career in STEM looks like.
Natalie L - Year 12 Student
Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize
The Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize is a film competition that encourages school students to communicate a scientific concept in a way that is accessible and entertaining. It is intended to support budding young scientists across the nation, who will be our future leaders in research, discovery and communication.
The 2-minute film must focus on a scientific concept, discovery, invention or your own scientific hypothesis – anything goes, but keep the science in the story, and keep the science real! This year's theme is - Above and Below.
Entries may be submitted by an individual student or a team of no more than six students.
Entries close Monday 14 April 2025.
You can find out more information and view the winner of the 2024 competition HERE.
If you are interested - chat to Angela Wright, Dean of Junior Science.
Angela Wright - Dean of Junior Science
VET News
School-based Apprenticeships
Jazmyn C (Year 11) has recently been signed into a School Based Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Apprenticeship with Auto Barn Mackay. Holy Spirit College would like to thank Lloyd from Auto Barn for supporting our School Based Apprenticeship program and for giving Jazmyn this opportunity.
Leni F (Year 11) has recently been signed into a School Based Certificate III in Dental Assisting with Torque Orthodontics (Qld) Pty Ltd. Holy Spirit College would like to thank Mary and her staff for supporting our School Based Apprenticeship program and for giving Leni this opportunity.
Makadee H (Year 11) has recently been signed into a School Based Diploma of Beauty with Ella Bache. Holy Spirit College would like to thank Nadine for supporting our School Based Apprenticeship program and for giving Makadee this opportunity.
Date Claimers
February 2025
| 14 | House Assembly |
| 17 | Year 8, Year 10, Year 11 & Year 12 School Photos |
| 20 | Opening and Blessing of New Building |
| 21 | Student Free Day - Bishop's Inservice Day |
| 24 | Mashed Up Theatre Company |
| 27 | Choices Guest Speaker |
| 28 | Opening Mass |
| 28 | Year 7 Welcome Evening |
March 2025
| 3 | John Coutis Guest Speaker |
| 4 | Year 11 UPP with Luke McKenna |
| 5 | Ash Wednesday Prayer Service |
| 6 | Year 12 Indigenous Commencement Mass |
| 7 | Year Level Assembly |
| 12-24 | NAPLAN Testing |
| 14 | Swimming Carnival |
| 17 | ELT/NGZ Commences |
| 18 | Year 10 Immunisations (Dose 1) |
| 28 | College Assembly |
| 31-2 April | Year 12 Retreat |
April 2025
| 3 | Year 7 and Year 9 School Photos |
| 4 | Term 1 Concludes |
ELT/NGZ = Engaged Learning Time / No Go Zone
Our calendared ELT ‘No-Go-Zones’, represent the three weeks up to and including exams, in each of our four Terms during the year.
During these ELT/ NGZ(s) we strive to be energetic and vigilant about ensuring that Engaged Learning / Class Learning time is NOT interrupted by non-core learning matters.
Creative Arts @ HSC
Lights! Camera! and it's Action in the Creative Arts Department!
Our Creative Arts Groups have begun for 2025, and it's been wonderful to visit each group and feel the energy. This week, the sounds of music, singing, drumming, debating, and artistic expression have filled our spaces. Welcome to all our students who are letting their creativity shine.
Whether students are in Year 7, new to Holy Spirit College, or returning for another year, there are many opportunities to explore creativity, develop new skills, and have fun. Everyone is invited to join the Extra Curricular Creative Arts groups. Students are encouraged to sign up with friends and discover new ways to expand their skill set.
It's not too late to join; just complete the Google Form. Last week, students received sign-up information via a Google Form link emailed to them, and letters detailing the Creative Arts Extra Curricular program were sent to families through the Parent Orbit app. Most groups don't require previous experience. Our groups include Concert Band, College Choir, Dance Troupe, Debating, Drama Group, Drum Corps, Music Ministry, Art Officials, Creative Arts Committee, Digital DJs, Visual Arts workshops, and more. Free Instrumental tuition is exclusively available at no extra cost to students who participate in the College Concert Band.
All are encouraged to join and make 2025 a year of creativity, growth, and self-expression!
Our Music Ministry group will lead the congregation in singing at 6pm Mass at St Joseph’s Church, North Mackay this Saturday evening and on the third Saturday of every month. We look forward to a beautiful and uplifting service enhanced by their musical contributions. Please come along and join us. All are welcome.
|
Group |
Day |
Time |
Venue |
|
Band |
Monday |
7:20 - 8:20 am |
PAC |
|
Choir |
Tuesday |
7:20 - 8:20 am |
PAC |
|
Art Officials |
Tuesday |
1st Recess |
Room 17 |
|
Dance Troupe |
Wednesday |
7:20 - 8:20 am |
PAC |
|
Debate Club |
Wednesday |
1st Recess |
Room 26 |
|
Music Ministry |
Wednesday |
1st Recess |
PAC |
|
Art Therapy |
Wednesday |
3:00 - 4:00 pm |
Art Room |
|
Drama Club |
Thursday |
7:20 - 8:20 am |
PAC |
|
CreativeArts |
Thursday |
2nd Recess |
Music Room |
|
Drum Corps |
Friday |
7:20 - 8:20 am |
PAC |
|
Digital DJs |
As required |
|
PAC |
Bernadetta Abell - Creative Arts Program Leader
Sport Sponsers 2025
P&F Association
Our next meeting
The first P&F meeting for 2025 will be from 5 pm on Wednesday, 19 February 2025. This will be followed by a parent tour of the new Industrial Technology and Design precinct at 6 pm.
All are welcome!
If you need to contact our P&F Association please email parentsandfriends@hsc.qld.edu.au
SchoolTV
One of the initiatives of our P&F Association is to provide SchoolTV for our HSC Community.
The purpose of SchoolTV is to provide a single resource for parents, students and staff covering a range of Wellness & Wellbeing topics, on a monthly basis. Content is based around the very real issues faced by parents and today’s youth and is presented in a multi-media format.
SchoolTV is available at all times on the HSC Website.
Special Report: The Wellbeing Barometer - 2025
The Wellbeing Barometer survey is an invaluable tool for schools, providing critical insights into the mental health and wellbeing of young people. This annual survey identifies areas of concern, highlights resilience and adaptability in students, and emphasises the importance of preventative strategies to promote positive outcomes.
Participation in this survey is strongly encouraged, as it offers a comprehensive view of students' experiences, challenges, and achievements. By capturing a detailed understanding of young people's experiences, the survey supports a tailored approach to enhancing their mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. It helps to identify strengths and areas for improvement, as well as pinpoint opportunities for early intervention.
The survey is part of an ongoing longitudinal study, and we encourage you to take a few moments to complete the survey for each of your children. Responses remain anonymous and should be based on your observations over the last 12 months. By working together, we can reduce the long-term impact of mental illness and make a meaningful difference to the lives of our young people for a brighter future.
Here is the link to the Special Report.
COMMUNITY
Student Special Achievements
Students at HSC are encouraged to excel in their chosen areas of interest, whether these are school-based interests or occur outside the school arena. If you would like to share an achievement relating to your student with the College community, please submit the details to media@hsc.qld.edu.au. (Be aware that we don’t always know about your student’s achievements unless you tell us!)
(Note: Students who excel at ‘school-based’ sports, cultural and academic pursuits through the school pathway are formally recognised at our Sports Awards Evening or Cultural Awards Showcase and/or Speech Night (Academic Awards) each year.)
Henry M - Gondwana National Choirs Choral School
Henry M (Year 9) was accepted to participate in the Gondwana National Choirs Choral School, and attended their 2025 January Summer School and Concert series.
Gondwana Choirs is the leader in Australian choral performance, and brings together young singers from across the country to represent Australia on the world stage. Henry participated in an intensive 2 weeks of rehearsals in Sydney, culminating in two performances at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Congratulations Henry on this outstanding achievement!
Park safe and keep our kids safe
There were a number of close calls with vehicles and pedestrians near our schools and sporting zones last year.
With students now back at school and sports season under way, it is time to park safe and keep our kids safe.
Parking in the wrong spot can prevent safe access along pathways and obscure the vision of other drivers and pedestrians.
Council will be patrolling school and sporting zones to ensure no one is parking in an unsafe manner.
Please see factsheet from Mackay Council below:
Working with Catholic Education
Report online abuse
If you need to make a complaint about cyberbullying, image-based abuse or illegal or harmful online content, report to eSafety to get help having content taken down.